Devonshire Arms Wedding, North Yorkshire

Some like it glamorous, some like it vintage or countryside style, but some might just like it small and intimate. For those couples, family is what matters the most and they want their wedding day to be about all of them celebrating together in a sweet and relaxing atmosphere.

This Devonshire Arms wedding in August was definitely one of the latter. Karen and Neil both got ready for their day at this stunning little gem of a hotel. Very close friends and family were starting to turn up early afternoon after all the misunderstandings with the taxi companies. Karen kept her cool, nothing could take her mind off Neil and how excited she was.

I have to be honest, I've never met a cooler bride. I mean cool in a good, calm, relaxed way, but cool looking too. With her short hair (if you know me, you know how I appreciate a good pixie) her 50's style wedding dress and her baby daughter giggling on the sofa, she ticked all the boxes that unconventional brides have to tick. In my opinion anyway. Although when she opened her suite door we were in for a little shock. Her left eye was badly bloodshot and had a tiny black eye too...nothing good make up couldn't cover up though. She then - while laughing all about it - told us the story of the previous night waking up to a huge punch in her face by Neil's elbow. Now I don't know many brides who wouldn't have strangled their fiancee for "ruining their big day" at that point. She didn't and she didn't even seem to care that she could barely see in one eye.

Nothing could have ruined her day. It was perfect as it was. The venue was...well it's the Devonshire, so it was of course beautiful and the staff were efficient as always. The weather was kind to them too, so the early evening hours spent outside on the terrace were ideal for the whole family.